Budding scientists of the future were inspired after meeting a biomedical and clinical scientist through an online careers lesson at school.

Ten 'Able, Gifted and Talented' students from Whitworth Community High School were invited to a presentation by biomedical scientist Krystal Rawstron, originally from Bacup, and her colleague clinical scientist Freya Hassall.

They both work in St Thomas’ Hospital in London and delivered an online presentation to explain their work and career path and also answered questions posed by the students.

The school’s careers’ advisor Laura Grenaghan was asking for people to speak to students about their careers and personal assistant to the senior leadership team Louise Rawstron suggested her sister Krystal may be able to help.

Thomas Anchor, 13, said: “We learnt about the work of a biomedical scientist: blood work, viruses and also checking newborn babies’ blood for abnormalities when they take a heel prick after birth.

“We also heard from a clinical scientist how they carry out a more intensive examination of results and work closely with doctors.

“I have always wanted to go into the science field because I enjoy the subject and I want to learn more. I didn’t know there were so many different jobs in the science sector.

“I want to be a doctor or a surgeon, but I also like biology and I found it really interesting to find out about their work.”

Kaiden Garity, 12, was considering a career in engineering, but said after the talk he was now also interested in science-based jobs.

He said: “It is quite amazing the scope of the field of work. I got to ask some of the questions: how they got into the position they were in and whether they can work anywhere in the world with their job.”